Search Icon
See all Style

How to master the puffer coat trend, for every figure and occasion

Tona Stell in a green puffer coat
Tona Stell wearing a green puffer coat Credit: Make-up: Smashbox Studio/John Nguyen

Puffer coats are ‘on trend’, which is handy  when the temperature is plummeting and I can’t bear to leave the house wearing anything that doesn’t feel like a duvet. 

They were all over the autumn catwalk shows: Burberry reinvented its iconic check prints in puffed-up form, and Moncler collaborated with  a host of big-hitting  fashion designers to create quilted pieces that look closer to art than apparel. It was puffer couture, if you will. 
Tona wears down hooded jacket, £129.90, Uniqlo. Cashmere jumper, £495, Amanda Wakeley. Cotton trousers, £140, Filippa K. Vegan-leather Chelsea boots, £139, Dr Martens Credit: Make-up: Smashbox Studio/John Nguyen

I’m sure there are plenty of people who steer clear of puffer coats, as they can sometimes be truly unflattering. The trick is to find the right one for your shape. For curvier silhouettes, opt for cinched-in waists, tall frames may want to avoid cropped styles and if you’re petite, look for ones minimal additional ‘puff’.  A good puffer coat is an investment buy and should last you for many winters to come. 

The inspiration
Left to right: Erika Boldrin, Bella Hadid and Charlotte Groeneveld

The bright side

Influencer Charlotte Groeneveld makes a statement with a neon puffer, but tones things down with a black outfit.

Print works

Supermodel Bella Hadid dresses up her jeans with  a leopard-print design.

Two tone

Influencer Erika Boldrin wears a puffer in two shades, which breaks up the look of the bulky fabric. 

Now make it work for you...

Best for petites

The pattern in corduroy counteracts the horizontal lines of a puffer, which can make you look shorter. 

Cord, £111.30, Whistles

Best for tall frames

Opt for a longline style so you don’t have to worry about it falling short  of your hips. 

Faux-leather, £245, Kitri

Best for larger busts

The cinched-in waist  helps to define your  figure if oversized styles don’t suit you. 

Tie-waist, £159, Mint Velvet at John Lewis

Best for colour lovers

This classic shape is super-wearable, while the colour will brighten up a grey day. 

Down puffer, £300, Ganni at Farfetch

Best for parties

A leather-look puffer is ideal to style over an evening outfit. 

Vegan-leather jacket,  £485, Nanushka at MyTheresa

Best for statement- makers

The tartan print and oversized cocoon-shape make for a bold look.

Oversized, £75, Monki

Best for travellers

This ThermoBall jacket rolls down into a pocket size, so is perfect for travel. 

Packable jacket, £170, 

The North Face

Best for après-ski

The perfect addition  to your ski holiday wardrobe.

Oversized down jacket, £119.99, H&M

Best for layering

A sleeveless vest is  ideal for wearing over trophy jumpers. 

Zip-up, £55, Cos

Best for dog walkers

This warm mustard colour will cheer up any casual outfit, and the water-resistant fabric can be wiped down. 

Quilted, £99, Arket

Fashion hack

Smarten up your puffer  coat for the office or a  night out with square-  toe, heeled boots.

Square-toe leather ankle boots, £135, & Other Stories 

Wear it with...

Drop earrings,  £10, Topshop; Vegetable-tanned  leather bag, £375, APC; Alpaca-blend  jumper, £49.99, H&M; Leather ankle boots, £140, Jigsaw; Straight-fit jeans, £59.99, Leandra Medine x Mango

For more news, analysis and advice from The Telegraph's fashion team, click here to sign up to get our weekly newsletter, straight to your inbox every Friday.